Although invitation only car shows are usually reserved for only Concours d'Elegance gatherings, the idea of an invitation only show is slowly starting to creep into the realm of street rodding. However, when street rodders host an invitation only gathering its typically not to obtain the finest street rods with pedigree, but a good reason to get all your buddies together for a Saturday afternoon. Such is the case with Roy Merritt's Geezer Gathering held in Wichita, Kansas every October.

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While the idea of such an event may sound foreign to some, this year was actually the fourth annual for Merritt's event and just one of three similar invitation only hot rod events to take place in Wichita this year. Held at Merritt's garage and home, the Geezer Gathering is a chance for hot rodders, drag racers, and people sharing a common interest in cars to get together, talk cars, and reminisce about the past. Merritt sends out invitations to many of the local hot rodders that he has known for years and they are all asked to bring their hot rod, come hungry, and keep it to a guy's only crowd. This year roughly 150 hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars showed up for the unique event.

3/28Four-door sedans were once thought to be more of a family car and not considered at all to be good hot rod material. However, lately there have been a lot of people proving that theory wrong. Just feast your eyes on John Sebastian's '34 Ford Four-door sedan. It's proof that more-doors make great hot rods too.

Merritt himself has a number of early Fords and a garage that is so cool that you could spend all day looking at the neat parts and memorabilia hanging on the walls. When he had decided to start hosting the gathering, his wife had wondered what he would do to entertain all who attended. He told her not to worry, if a bunch of car enthusiast gathers in a place they will entertain themselves. He was right. All those who attend have such a good time that everyone can't wait till next year. We were fortunate enough that we were invited to the event and were able to capture a glimpse of what the gathering was like to share with everyone. Enjoy a look at this special event and we will be anxiously waiting for next year's Geezer Gathering. SRM